After spending 5 seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Sheldon Rankins is joining the New York Jets. A decision the defensive tackle said he made after being convinced by Head Coach Robert Saleh about the project that lies ahead.

Rankins, a 1st-round pick by the Saints back in 2016, joined the franchise on a 2-year deal worth up to $17 million. Now turning 27 soon, the defensive tackle is already looking forward to life in the Big Apple.

Rankins excited about New York Jets project

During an interview on SiriusXM Radio, Rankins talked about the role of Adam Saleh in convincing him to join the Jets franchise.

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“When he called me and expressed his interest and how much he really wanted me to be a part of this and the vision he had for me and Quinnen (Williams) inside and Carl (Lawson) out on the edge, it got me fired up,” Rankins said.

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“It made me want to be a part of something special,” he added. Rankins said that he was also sold over what he’d heard about the new Jets Head Coach about his time in San Francisco.

“Him coming from San Fran and I know guys that played out there. Played for him. And were able to tell me the type of leader of men that he truly is,” said Rankins.

Fitting into the grander scheme of things

Rankins knew that adjusting to a new team would help if it suit his style of play. Also factoring in the overall goals of the franchise, and Rankins felt that the New York Jets were his best bet.

“Scheme fit was going to be big, and opportunity and vision. I needed a team to see me as the player that I saw myself as. And I think I got that, you know, with the Jets.

“So when all those things lined up. I obviously spoke with everybody in the building and saw what we’re capable of building. Saw what they’re already building, you know, I jumped on board,” he added.

Rankins has suffered from some injury niggles in the past. But now fit and healthy, the defensive tackle is raring to go for the upcoming season.

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